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 Amaretto
is an Italian sweet almond-flavored liqueur.
It is made from a base of apricot or almond
pits, or sometimes both.
The
name is a diminutive of the Italian amaro,
meaning "bitter", indicating
that the distinctive flavour lent by the
mandorla amara--the bitter almond or the
drupe kernel. However, the bitterness
is not unpalatable, and the flavor is
enhanced by sweeteners, and sometimes
sweet almonds, in the final products.
Therefore, the liqueur's name can be said
to describe the taste as "a little
bitter". Conflation of amare and
amore ("love") is primarily
responsible for the associations with
romance. Amaretto should not be confused
with amaro, a different family of Italian
liqueurs that, while also sweetened, have
a stronger bitter flavour coming from
herbs.
Legend
Despite the known history on the introduction
and acceptance of almonds into Italian
cuisine, more recent takes on the meanings
and origins have come about, further popularized
by the two major brands. Though of sometimes
questionable factuality, these tales hold
a sentimental place in Saronno culture.
In 1525, a Saronno church commissioned
artist Leonardo Da Vinci and student Bernardino
Luini to paint their sanctuary with frescoes.
As the church was dedicated to the Virgin
Mary, Luini needed to depict the Madonna,
but was in need of a model. He found his
inspiration in a young widowed innkeeper,
who became his model and (in most versions)
lover. Out of gratitude and affection,
the woman wished to give him a gift. Her
simple means did not permit much, so she
steeped apricot kernels in brandy and
presented the resulting concoction to
a touched Luini.
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2010 Rogov's Guide to Kosher Wines
The World's 500 Best Kosher Wines |
